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1.5 Million Premature Cancer Deaths Could be Prevented per Year if Targets Set to Reduce NCDs are Met by 2025

On World Cancer Day, UICC and International Agency for Research on
Cancer (IARC) reveal real-life impact of achieving goal

GENEVA, Switzerland, Feb. 4, 2013 /CNW/ - The Union for International
Cancer Control (UICC) and the International Agency for Research on
Cancer (IARC) today announced that 1.5 million lives which would be
lost to cancer, could be saved per year if decisive measures are taken
to achieve the World Health Organization's (WHO) '25 by 25' target; to
reduce premature deaths due to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by 25%
by 2025.[i]

Currently, 7.6 million people die from cancer worldwide every year, out
of which, 4 million people die prematurely (aged 30 to 69 years).[i] So unless urgent action is taken to raise awareness about the disease
and to develop practical strategies to address cancer, by 2025, this is
projected to increase to an alarming 6 million premature cancer deaths
per year.

"The estimate of 1.5 million lives lost per year to cancer that could be
prevented must serve to galvanise our efforts in implementing the World
Health Organization's (WHO)'25 by 25'target," said Dr Christopher Wild, Director of IARC. "There is now a need for a global commitment to help drive advancements
in policy and encourage implementation of comprehensive National Cancer
Control Plans. If we are to succeed in this, we have a collective
responsibility to support low- and middle-income countries who are
tackling a cancer epidemic with insufficient resources."

The 1.5 million lives lost per year represent 25% of the estimated 6
million premature cancer deaths that will occur by 2025, and the 6
million figure is itself based on population projections of current
numbers and aging.[1]

On World Cancer Day, UICC and its members are urging the public and
governments alike to speak out with one voice to dispel damaging myths
and misconceptions on cancer. Under the theme "Cancer - Did you know?"
individuals and communities are encouraged to shed light on four key
cancer 'myths' and the corresponding 'truth' via the UICC World Cancer
Day App. Download the App and play your part in reducing the
unacceptable burden of cancer
https://apps.facebook.com/world_cancer_day

Myth: Cancer is just a health issue
-Truth: Cancer is not just a health issue. It has wide reaching social,
economic, development and human rights implications

Myth: Cancer is a disease of the wealthy, elderly and developed
countries
-Truth: Cancer is a global epidemic, affecting all ages and
socio-economic groups, with developing countries bearing a
disproportionate burden

Myth: Cancer is a Death sentence
-Truth: many cancers that were once considered a death sentence can now
be cured and for many more people their cancer can now be treated
effectively

Myth: Cancer is my fate
-With the right strategies, at least 30% of cancer cases can be
prevented based on current knowledge

Cary Adams, CEO UICC said,"This World Cancer Day UICC, its members and partners urge everyone from
individuals to governments to take a stand against damaging myths on
cancer. By truly understanding this deadly disease, governments can
develop appropriate strategies to reduce premature deaths and reach the
WHO'25 by 25'goal. The figures today announced by IARC and UICC reveal the
fundamental human value of achieving this target. 1.5 million people
saved from an early death due to cancer is equal to the entire
populations of Philadelphia, Auckland, Barcelona or Maputo each and
every year."

For more information on how you can get involved and take action against
cancer, visit worldcancerday.org.

About World Cancer Day

World Cancer Day takes place every year on 4 February and is the single
initiative under which the UICC, its members, partners and the entire
world can unite together in the fight against the global cancer
epidemic.

UICC is the leading international non-governmental organisation
dedicated to the prevention and control of cancer worldwide. http://www.uicc.org

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It should also be stressed that this assumes the 25% reduction in
overall mortality is spread in an even proportion across the main NCDs
(cancer, cardiovascular disease, chronic lung diseases and diabetes).
This is actually not necessary for the '25 by 25' target to be met, as
there could be more progress on cardiovascular disease than on cancer,
for example.